So long, junior high; see you later, middle school. When the new high school opens, the grade setup for Columbia Public Schools will change, putting ninth graders in high schools and grades six through eight in intermediate schools.

Columbia Public Schools is trying to put more Missouri-grown food into school lunches. Just ask the kids at Paxton Keeley Elementary School. On Wednesday, they had zucchini casserole made with Missouri-grown vegetables — and they didn't hate it.

The retirement legislation passed both the House and Senate and now goes to Gov. Jay Nixon. The bill requires new state employees to contribute 4 percent of their pay toward their pension and to spend at least a decade working for the state to qualify for pension.

Carl Edwards made his annual bike ride to McBaine Wednesday with friend Sam Russell, who is paralyzed from the chest down from a mountain biking accident. This was Russell's first year riding since his accident.

Columbia bus routes and schedules are set to undergo major changes beginning Aug. 2. The hope is that the increased north, east and west routes will allow individuals greater employment opportunities and Saturday services will mirror weekday schedules to lessen confusion.